I liked this novella, but I feel like the story focused a little too much on the sword plot line and not enough on the romance. I definitely started skimming through the fight scene toward the end because of that. However, I liked Elspeth and Tavish together and I thought they had really good chemistry. At the end of the day, this definitely wasn’t my favorite Darcy Burke work, but it wasn’t bad either.

**thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**

Elspeth Marshall is a story teller. She meets Tavish Crawford as she is telling a story one afternoon. He leaves and she thinks about him for the next two years. She is returning home with her aunt and stops for the night because of a snowstorm. There he is again. He is looking for the sword he lost at Culloden. It is a very special sword that has been in his family for many years. They realize they are in love. They go through a lot to regain the sword. A very interesting story.

A very fun prequel story to League if Rogues.

Elspeth Marshall is a spunky heroine out to gather data to write her stories on old legends when she runs into Roy Williams an enigmatic fellow, with whom she shares an impulsive kiss. Then he disappears from her life to run Into to her again after 2 years as John McLean. Beginning of an interesting relationship and story of a very special legendary sword.

Not the usual Ms Burke regencies of handsome lords and ton heroines.

This is a tale of some intrigue, mystery adventure and romance.

It’s a Novella snd definitely a fun read.

Darcy Burke is an author that I love but I had not read any books in this series. The Legend of a Rogue is a prequel to the legendary rogue series. I enjoyed Elspeth especially in that she is a storyteller and seeks out and records stories and legends. This is what leads her to Tavish who tells her the story of a mythical sword, that she determines is not so mythical. As a novella this is a nice quick read with a HEA. I look forward to reading the rest in the series and seeing how this novella ties in.

MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE READ THE SERIES FIRST?

When reading this novella I kend of felt like I was missing something. Though it totally works a stand alone novella, I still think I might have gotten more out of it, if I knew the rest of the series. Still, it was enjoyable and a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Historical fantasy is something that I actually really enjoy but don't really read a lot of, so it was nice to get it here.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Elspeth: Elspeth is a story teller and collector. I found that to be really interesting and original and I enjoyed it. I also really liked that it was this side of Elspeth that made Tavish attracted to her and made him want to get to know her.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Romance: I am a little sad to say this, but I didn't feel the romance or chemistry between Elspeth and Tavish. It just didn't leap of the page and I couldn't connect with them as a couple. I think it just happened too fast and without any real connection between them, aside from a kiss and a shared interest, to sell the romance to me.

The Legend of a Rogue
Novella prequel to the "Legendary Rogues" series
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

This was a very fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed learning about the lore about the hidden treasures that are out there. I have not read the other books in the series, but this one is a great start. I loved how the author was influenced by Die Hard and Harry Potter ( she includes this in her author's note).
Elspeth and Tavish were very interesting characters. Elspeth loved to tell other peoples story. I liked how she just enjoyed listening to other people share their tales and then put them into writing. Tavish had too many names at times I had a hard time keeping up. LOL

Good story!

This book was a lot of fun.

Burke does a good job incorporating history into the story and a bit of mythology and fantasy. There was only one point in the story where the dialogue was cheesy/bad but overall it is a great read and (apparently) a set up for a series.

I loved this bewitching romance!

This enchanting story is filled with twists and secrets as it sets forth a story to rival the legends of King Arthur and his famous knights. Tavish is by necessity a man of mystery, but he can’t hide his attraction to the captivating Elspeth despite how much that complicates his ultimate quest.

I loved every bit of this breathtaking story as it took us from such beautifully romantic highs to nail-biting, painful lows until finally giving us the kind of victorious HEA that makes a legend truly memorable. I especially loved the “moral of the story” that they discover about the artifact that is the centerpiece of the quest.

This story is a fine example of why this author is consistently at the top of my favorites list, and you don't want to miss is. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

***Historical Novella***

'The Legend Of A Rogue' is a historical novella set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1740s.

There is a certain air of mysticism and romance to this book that gave an ethereal quality to the narrative. The story centres around two main characters; Elspeth and Tavish. Tavish is an enigmatic fellow with a few different names, who is desperately searching for a missing legendary sword. Elspeth is a young woman who gathers stories and has a natural enquiring mind. These two people are strongly drawn to each other like kindred spirits, but are both trying to avoid sinister characters who are hot on their heels.

This book had intrigue, drama, action, threats, romance, heat and love. I thought this was an entertaining and charming historical romance from Darcy Burke that I really enjoyed.

Elspeth Marshall was a storyteller. She collected all kinds of stories and legends and told them to anyone who wished to hear. She did not know there were two magical swords. She had only heard rumors about Dyrnwyn. The blue sword, Dyrnwyn., which was for good, and the red sword, Lann Dheary, the sword of evil. No one knew that he had the red sword, But he was a silly man, he took it with him when he went to fight at Culloden. He was injured and someone else had the sword.
Roy Williams is the first name he gave her after he listened to one of her stories. They spent some time together but he had to leave and the next time they saw each other it was two years later. She was very angry with him and he tried to explain. The attraction between them was great.
This was a different kind of story and I enjoyed it as she read to the children and let him read some of the stories, she has written down. The characters were fun and sweet. It was difficult to put the novel down and there was a goodly amount of action. It was exciting and it was nice to see some of the guests fight back at the inn. I highly recommend it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Tavish Crawford, who goes by a number of other names, comes upon Elspeth Marshall as she tells stories about treasures and legends to children at a festival. They talk and find they both have an interest in a pair of legendary swords, swords with magical powers. When they meet two years later at the Balthazar Inn, they discover that one of the swords may be in a secret room of treasures known as the Chamber of Sorrows. They also learn they are not the only ones looking for it. This one is an adventure drama, action, lots of danger, a secret organization up to no good, and, of course, a happily ever after. Tavish and Elspeth are great characters and are perfect for each other. The big surprise is the secret they learn about the flaming sword.

I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Darcy Burke is a wonderful historical romance writer. This short novella is connected to another series she has written about myths and treasure hunting. I've only read a bit of the series, so I can say that this novella works well as a stand alone as well.

The story is about a story collector, Elspeth Marshall, who meets a man Roy Williams one afternoon and becomes smitten. She doesn't see him again until two years later at Bathazar's Inn. It is eight months after The Battle of Culloden and they are both tracking a story of a flaming sword.

This is an action packed story. I feel like there was too much and also not enough...which often happens with a short format. I'm looking forward to reading this entire series!

This book started out good and then 2 years pass and both characters seem to have stayed the same. The whole mystery/hunt for the sword was the main story with added romance.

The last 30% percent were over the top and I skimmed most of it.

I received this ebook arc from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Elspeth love the retailing of stories. She made it her life work she’d write down every story she heard. Elspeth was telling a story about tThe Thirteen Treasures of Britain. One day Elsepth is telling the story of the thirteen treasures when a handsome strange interrupts her story. They talk and he kisses her she finds out his name Roy Williams he has business to attend else where and says he will return. It’s been two years and he hasn’t returned and Elsepth has married because she can’t let go of Roy Williams. On a trip with her aunt Leah they stop at an inn for the night on their return home and who does Elsepth see but Mr Williams but he act like he doesn’t know her . Later she confronts him and finds his name isn’t Roy Williams but is Lord Stathclyde and that he’s a descendant Rhydderch younger brother Constantine the Lann Dheargh sword which he lost at Culloden she offers to help him find. Will they find the sword and will they find the live they both want. Amazing read

Elspeth and Roy are like a dream that you never want to end. Burke guides emotions through an imaginative fantasy that refuses to let go. Step into a world where the impossible becomes real and the lines of reality blur. The Legend of a Rogue is a spellbinding adventure laced with captivating intrigue and unpredictable romance. There is no turning back once the spell has been cast.

As always, Darcy Burke knows how to bring to life great characters in a novella, which is no easy feat. This is the prequel to the Legendary Rogues series, making connections to the battle at Culloden and a few of the characters in the book. Being the prequel, this is a standalone book, but it will definitely make you want to read on. I thought the magical sword known as Lann Dhearg, that has been lost in battle, was a clever way to connect the two main characters of Elspeth and Tavish.
The book begins with Elspeth Marshall, telling a story to a group of children about a mystical sword. As she enthrals her listeners, a handsome stranger called Roy, appears to also know more about the sword and soon she is captivated by him. After a glorious day spent with him and a kiss, he then leaves, and Elspeth does not see him again for another two years. Roy, who is truly known as Tavish Crawford, has lost the sword, and in his efforts to recover the sword, he meets Elspeth again and soon decides that he will never let her leave his side again.
A great novella, filled with action and passion, and a clever twist.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A storyteller and a warrior meet at a fair. No promises are given, but implied. Months later after Culloden, they meet again. He goes by yet another name and in disguise. He's looking for a sword, she's looking for the story. A secret society is a threat not to be taken lightly. When the warrior realizes love wins over anger, he'll take love.
Entertaining tale of a legend. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

It has been six years since the first book in the Legendary Rogues series and a year since the last book in the series – now, we see the very beginning – and it is a rousing, action-filled adventure for sure. The characters are wonderful, and well developed – which is a hard thing to do in a novella. As always, the writing is excellent, the plot was tight and well-executed, and the introduction to “The Order” will suck you right into the series. If you have already read the series, you will still love this prequel – and if you haven’t read the series, you’ll be sucked right in and want to read the rest of the books.

Elspeth Marshall is a gifted storyteller. Not only does she tell the stories, but she actively seeks out and records old legends and stories. At the Lammas festival, she is entertaining a crowd of children and some adults by recounting one of her favorite tales, when she notices a handsome man paying close attention as well. He becomes a lively part of the discussion after the tale and adds some intriguing additions – some details Elspeth dearly wants to know and to record. She spends time with the man, Roy Williams after she is finished with the storytelling and thinks she might have just met the man of her dreams. When he leaves, he also leaves the impression that he’ll return – soon.

Roy Williams – aka John McLean and Tavish Crawford – is a man of many mysteries. He’s never forgotten the lovely lass he met at the Lammas festival two years ago. He was sorely smitten with her, but he couldn’t return to her. While he’s not a Jacobite, many in his family are – and he lost his sword at the battle of Culloden. He’s been looking for it ever since – he must find it. It is a centuries-old sword – a treasure – twin blade to the legendary Dyrnwyn which is one of the Thirteen Treasures of Britain sought by the Order of the Round Table. They must not learn of his sword Lann Dhearg.

A snowstorm reunites Roy/John/Tavish and Elspeth at a small inn. He is in search of Lann Dhearg and has heard stories that brought him here, and she is traveling with her aunt who stopped because of the snow. After a confrontation, she agrees to hear his tale and his excuses. Unbeknownst to them, dark forces are about to descend on that small inn. All who are there are in dire peril. Elspeth and Tavish will have to work together to find and protect Lann Dhearg and the other guests at the inn. While doing that, they discover each other and a love that will set your heart aflutter.

There are lots of things to love about this novella. Aside from the lovely characters and a wonderful romance, there is a great introduction to the Order of the Round Table and the Thirteen Treasures of Britain which is the focus of the remaining books in the series. Another fun thing is the Easter Eggs you’ll find within the book – the author paid a bit of an homage to Die Hard and you’ll find those Easter Eggs if you are a fan of the movie. If not, you’ll never notice.

I definitely recommend this fun and exciting novella and I hope you will love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Darcy Burke and the Legendary Rogues never disappoint! This is the prequel to the series.

Our heroine, Elspeth, loves to write stories of legends and is now on the hunt for a particular legend...a flaming sword that was last seen in the Battle of Culloden. Our hero Tavish, who is a master of disguise and goes by many different alias', is also looking for the same sword. This novella has adventure and mystery . I love how well developed the characters were and it was an enjoyable, fast paced read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my true and honestreview.

Elspeth, a storyteller, hears a tale of a mysterious sword that is told to her by a mysterious man. A few years later, Travis is searching for his family’s sword when he again comes across Elspeth, a woman he hasn’t been able to forget. He must fight for the sword as well as Elspeth. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Darcy Burke Publishing for my honest review.